Choose your words wisely, even when you want to pay someone kindness. Intentions don’t always match outcomes as sometimes our compliments for other people may accidentally come off as rude or insensitive.
Ever heard of backhanded compliments? This is when you make a statement that implies it is not really a compliment at all and might be just as close to an insult.
Help make someone’s day by learning how to compliment people the right way, free from any malice or misunderstanding.
First off, don’t comment on a person’s appearance, as even positive words might draw unwanted attention toward their attributes such as weight or physical features.
Instead, try to comment on their internal qualities or external actions that you genuinely feel add warmth and positivity to the world.
You can commend someone for their outlook, mentality, or perspective that makes you see things in a different and better light. Perhaps you see them as a role model or inspiration toward a common goal and would like to acknowledge them for that. Or maybe you want to praise their charisma or sense of humor that’s sure to keep everyone in a good mood.
Your compliment could also be situational or contextual, something specific between you and the person you want to honor.
How about letting them know you appreciate their patience and understanding during more difficult conversations? That you feel they are your safe space with whom you can be vulnerable and find reassurance in.
Lastly, you can say the most with the little things. Compliment one’s tiniest efforts and small steps toward progress. Say you like their taste in music or fashion or the like. After all, it could make the biggest difference in one’s day.